IL Art Therapy License Research and Development Timeline
This timeline is being updated continuously as information becomes available
Background:
In Fall 2022 IL Counseling Association began lobbying to join the Counseling Compact. While we all agree to the many benefits of the counseling compact, a unique situation must be considered for art therapists. Joining the compact means if there are changes in the future to educational requirements, future IL art therapists could be impacted along with our educational programs.
This is specifically related to if CACREP accreditation becomes the standard for states who have joined the compact. Having our own license creates a pathway to protect the future of art therapy in our state if IL joins the counseling compact and if educational requirements change as a result at any point in the future. While these are only possibilities, IATA believes we need to be proactive which is why we are considering and assessing the possibility of an art therapy license in IL.
20233
January 2022 Meeting summary:
Tyler Kirby, Policy & Public Affairs Manager at AATA and Amber (IATA president)discusses the current landscape of art therapy licensure and its potential challenges in light of the interstate counseling compact, which aims to standardize licensure requirements across states. It mentions that 39 of the 50 states currently license art therapists under various counselor designations. The compact could restrict art therapists from practicing if their programs are not CACREP accredited, which may affect non-CACREP-approved art therapy programs. The note highlights concerns about the impact on future generations of art therapists and suggests that Illinois might join the compact by 2024. The note also references examples of licensure models in different states, emphasizing the need for insurance reimbursement provisions. It outlines the steps for advocacy, including educating government officials and building a support system, with assistance from Tyler Kirby, the AATA licensure liaison. The note ends with information on upcoming meetings and the potential challenges in the legislative process.
September 2022
At the Assembly of Chapters Meeting (AOC), AATA expresses concern after Florida legislation passes HB566 amending minimum education requirements & requiring applicants to graduate from a CACREP or COAMFTE program.
IATA board begins exploring the idea of an art therapy license at the September Chapter meeting.
IATA board speaks with one of our graduate programs about the AT license. The conversation focused on the school's questions, thoughts, and concerns.
January 2023
Tyler Kirby, Policy & Public Affairs Manager at AATA speaks with IATA at Chapter Meeting to discuss AT license and answer questions IL art therapists may have. IATA meets with Pennsylvania Chapter to learn about their experience related to licensing.
Early 2023 Meeting Summary: The discussion revolves around several important topics related to art therapy licensure and the role of AATA (American Art Therapy Association) in supporting the effort. Participants express a need for comprehensive data on states that have successfully passed art therapy licensure legislation and inquire whether licensure can protect educational institutions from requiring CACREP accreditation. There is discussion about the impact of licensure on art therapists in different settings, the potential for portability across states, the administration of licensure tests, and the desire for a report comparing licensure states to those with umbrella licensing. The conversation also delves into the financial implications of licensure, AATA's role in protecting art therapists in future legislation, and the connection between AATA and ACATE. Questions are raised about Medicare and Medicaid coverage, the risk of CACREP overseeing counseling programs in Illinois, and the benefits of licensure beyond title protection. The discussion underscores the need for support and understanding of the licensure process, and it concludes with a call for a meeting to ensure alignment on the path forward.
March 2023
Tyler Kirby, Policy & Public Affairs Manager at AATA speaks with IATA at Chapter Meeting to discuss AT license and answer questions IL art therapists may have.
Meeting with art therapists from Maryland(MD) on March 6th, 2023, focused on the Maryland art therapy licensure process. Key points discussed included the need to clarify language related to "AATA-approved programs" and the challenges faced by art therapists in obtaining licenses in Maryland. The group emphasized the importance of achieving a gold standard for art therapy licensure, aligning with the scope of practice of MFTs and LPCs, and securing insurance reimbursement recognition. They highlighted the significance of engaging with state legislatures, particularly those overseeing governing boards, to advance licensure bills, and recommended framing discussions around expanding mental health services and emphasizing the benefits of art therapy. The group also suggested reaching out to the governor's office and considering simultaneous amendments for Medicare inclusion. Additionally, they stressed the importance of education and knowledge dissemination about art therapy and the need to establish industry standards, education criteria, and title protection to boost the profession's viability and job prospects. The meeting participants emphasized the positive impact of licensure on employment opportunities and salaries for art therapists. Finally, they encouraged ongoing revision and amendment of licensure requirements as needed.IATA meets with Pennsylvania Chapter to learn about their experience related to licensing.
April 2023
Spoke with Mary Andrus to learn about her experience related to licensing in Oregon. Erin Mooney-Simkus joins IATA board as Government Affairs Chair
Meeting with Oregon (OR) April 2023
This discussion highlights the journey toward art therapy licensure in Oregon, shedding light on the process and challenges faced. Initially passed in 2017 but delayed until 2019 due to necessary adjustments, the effort gained momentum with the involvement of someone experienced in legislation. Key strategies included community support through letter campaigns involving stakeholders beyond art therapists, identification of sponsors in both the House and Senate, engagement with lobbyists, and testimony at the capitol. Challenges included addressing concerns from psychologists and state hospitals. Lessons from this experience included having a designated point person, consulting with other states, and considering differences between ATR and LCPC requirements. Additionally, potential barriers in Illinois were discussed, including facilities using art in treatment without art therapists. The licensure's positive impact included increased job opportunities and better pay for art therapists, leading to the creation of more art therapy positions in various organizations. The conversation also touched on the importance of involving schools, engaging with mental health committees, and seeking support from IDFPR. Lastly, the need to define roles and responsibilities within a work group and the potential benefits of not adhering to CACREP standards were discussed, along with the overall growth and recognition of art therapy as a profession.
May 2023
Erin & Amber speak with another graduate program. Erin, Amber, & Tyler Kirby meet to discuss the process of pursing an AT license.
May 2023 meeting attended by Erin Mooney-Simkus (GAC), Tyler Kirby (Policy & Public Affairs), and Amber Przybyla (President) discussing the importance of the Art Therapy (AT) license and its implications for art therapists. They mention the process of getting grandfathered into the AT license and how a letter of endorsement is crucial. The conversation also raises concerns about the potential impact of the counseling compact, especially the requirement for programs to be CACREP accredited, which may affect future generations of art therapists. The discussion touches upon the potential inclusion of insurance reimbursement in the initial legislation and the importance of AATA's communication with the public and schools. Tyler Kirby offers to draft legislation and provide information to facilitate the process, emphasizing the need to involve schools, share impact experiences, and find sponsors for the cause.
June 2023
IATA sends out Art Therapy License survey for IL art therapist to share thoughts, questions, and concerns regarding possible art therapy license.
July 2023
Based on our survey results Erin is researching if IL is able to legislate insurance reimbursement into initial legislation. Amber is also researching how much money an individual could save with an art therapy license compared to what we have now. Once Erin and Amber have more information this will be shared with everyone.
2023
Background:
In Fall 2022 IL Counseling Association began lobbying to join the Counseling Compact. While we all agree to the many benefits of the counseling compact, a unique situation must be considered for art therapists. Joining the compact means if there are changes in the future to educational requirements, future IL art therapists could be impacted along with our educational programs.
This is specifically related to if CACREP accreditation becomes the standard for states who have joined the compact. Having our own license creates a pathway to protect the future of art therapy in our state if IL joins the counseling compact and if educational requirements change as a result at any point in the future. While these are only possibilities, IATA believes we need to be proactive which is why we are considering and assessing the possibility of an art therapy license in IL.
20233
January 2022 Meeting summary:
Tyler Kirby, Policy & Public Affairs Manager at AATA and Amber (IATA president)discusses the current landscape of art therapy licensure and its potential challenges in light of the interstate counseling compact, which aims to standardize licensure requirements across states. It mentions that 39 of the 50 states currently license art therapists under various counselor designations. The compact could restrict art therapists from practicing if their programs are not CACREP accredited, which may affect non-CACREP-approved art therapy programs. The note highlights concerns about the impact on future generations of art therapists and suggests that Illinois might join the compact by 2024. The note also references examples of licensure models in different states, emphasizing the need for insurance reimbursement provisions. It outlines the steps for advocacy, including educating government officials and building a support system, with assistance from Tyler Kirby, the AATA licensure liaison. The note ends with information on upcoming meetings and the potential challenges in the legislative process.
September 2022
At the Assembly of Chapters Meeting (AOC), AATA expresses concern after Florida legislation passes HB566 amending minimum education requirements & requiring applicants to graduate from a CACREP or COAMFTE program.
IATA board begins exploring the idea of an art therapy license at the September Chapter meeting.
IATA board speaks with one of our graduate programs about the AT license. The conversation focused on the school's questions, thoughts, and concerns.
January 2023
Tyler Kirby, Policy & Public Affairs Manager at AATA speaks with IATA at Chapter Meeting to discuss AT license and answer questions IL art therapists may have. IATA meets with Pennsylvania Chapter to learn about their experience related to licensing.
Early 2023 Meeting Summary: The discussion revolves around several important topics related to art therapy licensure and the role of AATA (American Art Therapy Association) in supporting the effort. Participants express a need for comprehensive data on states that have successfully passed art therapy licensure legislation and inquire whether licensure can protect educational institutions from requiring CACREP accreditation. There is discussion about the impact of licensure on art therapists in different settings, the potential for portability across states, the administration of licensure tests, and the desire for a report comparing licensure states to those with umbrella licensing. The conversation also delves into the financial implications of licensure, AATA's role in protecting art therapists in future legislation, and the connection between AATA and ACATE. Questions are raised about Medicare and Medicaid coverage, the risk of CACREP overseeing counseling programs in Illinois, and the benefits of licensure beyond title protection. The discussion underscores the need for support and understanding of the licensure process, and it concludes with a call for a meeting to ensure alignment on the path forward.
March 2023
Tyler Kirby, Policy & Public Affairs Manager at AATA speaks with IATA at Chapter Meeting to discuss AT license and answer questions IL art therapists may have.
Meeting with art therapists from Maryland(MD) on March 6th, 2023, focused on the Maryland art therapy licensure process. Key points discussed included the need to clarify language related to "AATA-approved programs" and the challenges faced by art therapists in obtaining licenses in Maryland. The group emphasized the importance of achieving a gold standard for art therapy licensure, aligning with the scope of practice of MFTs and LPCs, and securing insurance reimbursement recognition. They highlighted the significance of engaging with state legislatures, particularly those overseeing governing boards, to advance licensure bills, and recommended framing discussions around expanding mental health services and emphasizing the benefits of art therapy. The group also suggested reaching out to the governor's office and considering simultaneous amendments for Medicare inclusion. Additionally, they stressed the importance of education and knowledge dissemination about art therapy and the need to establish industry standards, education criteria, and title protection to boost the profession's viability and job prospects. The meeting participants emphasized the positive impact of licensure on employment opportunities and salaries for art therapists. Finally, they encouraged ongoing revision and amendment of licensure requirements as needed.IATA meets with Pennsylvania Chapter to learn about their experience related to licensing.
April 2023
Spoke with Mary Andrus to learn about her experience related to licensing in Oregon. Erin Mooney-Simkus joins IATA board as Government Affairs Chair
Meeting with Oregon (OR) April 2023
This discussion highlights the journey toward art therapy licensure in Oregon, shedding light on the process and challenges faced. Initially passed in 2017 but delayed until 2019 due to necessary adjustments, the effort gained momentum with the involvement of someone experienced in legislation. Key strategies included community support through letter campaigns involving stakeholders beyond art therapists, identification of sponsors in both the House and Senate, engagement with lobbyists, and testimony at the capitol. Challenges included addressing concerns from psychologists and state hospitals. Lessons from this experience included having a designated point person, consulting with other states, and considering differences between ATR and LCPC requirements. Additionally, potential barriers in Illinois were discussed, including facilities using art in treatment without art therapists. The licensure's positive impact included increased job opportunities and better pay for art therapists, leading to the creation of more art therapy positions in various organizations. The conversation also touched on the importance of involving schools, engaging with mental health committees, and seeking support from IDFPR. Lastly, the need to define roles and responsibilities within a work group and the potential benefits of not adhering to CACREP standards were discussed, along with the overall growth and recognition of art therapy as a profession.
May 2023
Erin & Amber speak with another graduate program. Erin, Amber, & Tyler Kirby meet to discuss the process of pursing an AT license.
May 2023 meeting attended by Erin Mooney-Simkus (GAC), Tyler Kirby (Policy & Public Affairs), and Amber Przybyla (President) discussing the importance of the Art Therapy (AT) license and its implications for art therapists. They mention the process of getting grandfathered into the AT license and how a letter of endorsement is crucial. The conversation also raises concerns about the potential impact of the counseling compact, especially the requirement for programs to be CACREP accredited, which may affect future generations of art therapists. The discussion touches upon the potential inclusion of insurance reimbursement in the initial legislation and the importance of AATA's communication with the public and schools. Tyler Kirby offers to draft legislation and provide information to facilitate the process, emphasizing the need to involve schools, share impact experiences, and find sponsors for the cause.
June 2023
IATA sends out Art Therapy License survey for IL art therapist to share thoughts, questions, and concerns regarding possible art therapy license.
July 2023
Based on our survey results Erin is researching if IL is able to legislate insurance reimbursement into initial legislation. Amber is also researching how much money an individual could save with an art therapy license compared to what we have now. Once Erin and Amber have more information this will be shared with everyone.
2023
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To add your opinion to the IL AT license Survey, click here: https://forms.gle/CgRMHDcGbXwMJrJw6
